Colin: Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

At a Glance

Meaning
Either 'victory of the people' (via Nicholas) or 'young dog/pup' (via Cailean), depending on lineage
Origin
Two distinct origins: English/French medieval short form of Nicholas; and Scottish Gaelic anglicization of Cailean
Gender
Boy
Pronunciation
KAH-lin

Colin is a Two distinct origins: English/French medieval short form of Nicholas; and Scottish Gaelic anglicization of Cailean boy's name meaning “either 'victory of the people' (via Nicholas) or 'young dog/pup' (via Cailean), depending on lineage”.

Meaning & Origin of Colin

Meaning: Either 'victory of the people' (via Nicholas) or 'young dog/pup' (via Cailean), depending on lineage.

Origin: Two distinct origins: English/French medieval short form of Nicholas; and Scottish Gaelic anglicization of Cailean.

A common claim: Said to mean 'young dog' or 'pup' Actually: This captures only the Scottish Gaelic derivation; Colin is at least as often simply a medieval pet form of Nicholas, unrelated to 'dog/pup'.

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Colin

KAH-linIPA /ˈkɑːlɪn/

Popularity of Colin

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